Bill > A3895

This bill, titled the "Motherhood Violence Act," amends existing law to create the offense of fetal homicide, which is defined as criminal homicide that results in the death of an unborn child, meaning an individual from fertilization until birth. Specifically, it adds "fetal homicide" as a category of criminal homicide alongside murder, manslaughter, and death by auto, and establishes that fetal homicide occurs if a person purposely or knowingly causes the death of an unborn child, or purposely or knowingly causes serious bodily injury to the mother that results in the death of her unborn child. The bill provides exceptions, stating that fetal homicide charges will not apply if the act was performed according to usual medical practice during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, or if the act was solicited, aided, or consented to by the mother of the unborn child. Fetal homicide is classified as a first-degree crime, carrying a mandatory 20-year prison sentence with no eligibility for parole.